Liberals pledge upgrade to Queens Park lights

THE Liberals have made a play for the sporting vote ahead of November’s state election, pledging to install better lights at Queens Park if their party forms government.

South Barwon MP Andrew Katos and candidate for Geelong Freya Fidge announced the $200,000 promise at the ground on Saturday, alongside Corangamite federal Liberal member Sarah Henderson, Geelong Amateurs president Simon Farrell and former Geelong Cats player Tom Lonergan.

The installation of 100 lux lights would ensure training and matches can occur on Friday nights and in the evenings in winter.

Mr Katos said that given the status of poor lighting of the ovals, it was a difficult environment for training, especially during winter, and may lead to match cancellations.

At the announcement, Mr Katos acknowledged the club’s success and noted it was going from strength to strength, with considerable growth in female participation and in player numbers from the new housing estates in the Highton Hills.

Geelong Amateur has the largest Auskick Centre in the region, and provided the first all-girls Auskick program in 2016 and three more junior girls football teams last year.

“These lights will help the second largest club in the Barwon region – something that is long overdue,” Mr Katos said.

“Daniel Andrews has given $225 million away to the AFL but ignores our local clubs when they are crying out for funding.”

“As the local Member of Parliament, I am proud to be continually fighting for our grassroots sporting clubs – and will continue to deliver for them.”

Ms Fidge said the rise of female footy had created an unprecedented demand for women’s football and facilities are urgently needed to assist with this growth.

“I am proud to be a part of the local Liberal team that is going to deliver for our grassroots football and netball teams.”

Mr Farrell said the club was excited by the announcement.

“Having decent lights on our ovals will ensure we continue to be a competitive club – opening up for Friday night games, even in mid-winter, which will help continue our junior teams development.”